Tsunami uncovers centuries-old sunken ship off Indonesian islands

A SUNKEN ship containing ceramics that may be centuries old has been found off remote Indonesian islands hit by a tsunami.

Fishermen who found the vessel believe the 26 October wave off the Mentawai islands - which killed more than 500 people - lifted the 20ft-long ship from the ocean floor and pushed it closer to shore, said a spokesman for West Sumatra's Maritime and Fishery Department.

Wooden ships laden with ceramic pots, golden necklaces and valuable spices for centuries navigated Indonesian waters, a key trade route linking Asia with Europe and the Middle East. Hundreds are said to litter the sea bed off West Sumatra province.

The pots, jugs and bowls found last week still need to be tested to determine their origin and age, the spokesman said, but he added that they are similar to 14th century artifacts found inside sunken Chinese vessels..